Graduate

We're excited that you would like to attend ACU, and would like to give you more information about the application process. In general, as an international student seeking admission to ACU's graduate program you should apply with the Office of Admissions six months before the date you wish to begin classes. All official test scores and transcripts must be received at least 60 days before the beginning of the term you plan to attend. The following items must be received before an admission decision can be reached:

1) Application

Complete an online application in full (including the essays and application fee) online here.
Please ensure that every question is completed, so that we may process your application in a timely manner. Also, please ensure that the name on your application matches the name on your transcripts and, where possible, the name the passport. It is imperative that we have your current e-mail address at all times, and that Abilene Christian University is indicated as an eligible sender to the account.

A non-refundable US$50.00 application fee is required in order to process your application. There are three options for paying this fee:

- Online via credit card through our secure online payment within the online application. 

- By phone via credit card. For this option, please call +1-674-3650 between the hours of 8:00-18:00 U.S. Central Standard Time.

- By bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank or an international postal money order payable to Abilene Christian University.

2) Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

These need to be submitted from two individuals with knowledge of applicant's readiness for graduate study. If referees wish to use our recommendation form this can be downloaded here (link will open in a new window).

3) Academic Records

All documents should be submitted in the original language. All documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified line-by-line, literal English translation.

Post-SecondarySchoolRecords

For graduate applicants we require official transcripts which include all subjects studied each year and the grade/mark earned in each subject. A key to the marking system with minimum passing mark should be included. In addition, we require course descriptions of all classes you have taken and intend to take prior to the semester in which you hope to enroll at Abilene Christian University. If descriptions are not available, please provide 3 to 5-sentence descriptions of each course. Include the content, scope, credits/number of hours for each course or the number of hours per week, and the number of weeks per semester.

If you attend a post-secondary institutioninthe United States, official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Abilene Christian University.

Admission decisions are made on the assumption that applicants will have the bachelor's degree by the time of matriculation. If not, the Graduate School admission is void.

4) Personal Statement

A 3 to 5 page statement which includes a brief personal history and your reasons for applying to the Graduate School. The statement should demonstrate your ability to write at the graduate level.

5) Standardized Tests

TOEFL and IELTS
The Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) and the International English Language System (IELTS) are tests used to determine a student's English language proficiency. We require the following minimum scores on these exams to accept a student into ACU's undergraduate programs:

- Paper-based test (PBT): 525 
- Computer-based test (CBT): 197 
- Internet-based test (iBT) 5.5: 71

You may visit the TOEFL home page to receive information about taking the test here. (ACU's TOEFL code is 6001)
You can visit the IELTS Web site to learn more about test dates and locations here.

If you need assistance in locating a test center for the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, or MAT in your country, we suggest contacting the U.S. Educational Advising Office in your country for assistance. 

6) Financial Information

This includes a current bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the estimated cost of studying at ACU for one academic year (nine months) and a letter from the owner of the bank account stating that the funds will be used to support the applicant. To see the estimated expenses for the undergraduate program, click here.

After you have completed steps one through five, you will be eligible to be considered for admission. After considering your qualifications, the admissions committee will make a determination on your application.

If you are admitted, and if you submitted qualified financial information, we will send you an admissions package that includes a certificate of admission and an immigration document called I-20. You will need these documents to make an appointment with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country to apply for a student visa to study at ACU.

Once you have completed the admissions process and have received your immigration papers, you will need to complete the following steps:

7) Housing Preference

In order to live on campus, you must request housing. To do so, please submit your online through the myACU admissions portal. Housing preferences are available on a first-received, first-served basis. Your request for housing will not be processed until you have confirmed your admission to ACU by declaring your intent to enroll and submitting your US$250 enrollment deposit. To learn more about our residence halls, click here.

 *A student is required to live in campus housing unless he/she is married, 21 years of age or older, living with parents or has been out of high school for at least two years.

8) Health Form

 Please submit a health record form showing current immunization records and medical history. The health record form is required before you begin classes at ACU and may be submitted upon arrival to campusto live on campus,  and can be accessedhere.

For more information, contact us via e-mail: contact@international.acu.edu or call +1-325-674-2710 between the hours of 8:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00 U.S. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.